German Wheat Beer: Where To Buy And What To Know

German wheat beer, also known as Hefeweizen, is a popular beverage with a long history that dates back to the 1520s in Bavaria, Germany. It is characterised by its use of wheat and yeast, which give it a cloudy, golden colour and a thick foamy head. The banana, clove, bubblegum, and even black pepper aromas and flavours that come from the yeast make it a unique and enjoyable drink. German wheat beer is widely available in Germany, with popular brands including Erdinger, Paulaner, Franziskaner, and Maisel. It can also be found in other countries, such as the United States, where it has become a part of the modern American craft beer movement. Online retailers like Total Wine & More also offer a variety of German wheat beers for purchase.

German wheat beer brands

German wheat beer, also known as Hefeweizen, is a popular style of beer known for its distinctive wheat malt, unique yeast, and cloudy appearance. Hefeweizen is typically brewed with at least 50% malted wheat and is characterised by its high carbonation, dry finish, and fruity and spicy flavours, particularly banana and clove. Here are some of the well-known German wheat beer brands:

Erdinger

Erdinger is one of the largest German wheat beer brands. Their hefeweizen is known for its refreshing, fruity flavours and high carbonation.

Paulaner

Another leading German wheat beer brand is Paulaner, known for its Paulaner Hefe-Weissbier. This beer has a balanced mix of banana and clove flavours, with a fluffy mouthfeel.

Franziskaner

Franziskaner is a well-established brand that produces the Franziskaner Hefe-Weissbier. This beer has a dry finish and a distinctive banana-and-clove yeast character.

Maisel

Maisel is another major German wheat beer brand, known for its Maisels Weisse Original. This beer has a refreshing, crisp taste with a well-balanced mix of fruit and spice flavours.

Weihenstephaner

Weihenstephaner is a German brewery that produces the Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier, a pale straw-coloured hefeweizen with a distinctive yeast character.

Andechser

Andechser is a renowned German wheat beer brand, offering both a light (Hell) and a dark (Dunkel) version of their Andechser Weissbier.

In addition to these well-known brands, there are many other German breweries that produce excellent wheat beers, including regional brands such as Hopf, Unertl, Ayinger, Schweiger, and Plank. These beers can be found at breweries, liquor stores, and online retailers, offering a wide range of choices for wheat beer enthusiasts.

German wheat beer ingredients

German wheat beer, also known as Weizenbier or Hefeweizen, is a top-fermented beer with a minimum of 50% malted wheat, although some versions use up to 70%. The remaining grist is typically Pilsner malt. Wheat beers are brewed with a large proportion of wheat relative to the amount of malted barley. The Hefeweizen style is known for its low hop bitterness, with a range of 10-15 IBUs, and relatively high carbonation.

When it comes to ingredients for German wheat beer, the type of yeast used is crucial. Specialized strains of yeast are employed, imparting distinctive fruity and spicy notes, particularly banana and clove flavours, to the beer. The choice of yeast significantly influences the flavour profile of the final product.

The type of wheat selected also plays a vital role in the brewing process. Brewers can opt for a hard winter red wheat, which offers a full, grainy taste, or a white summer variety, which lends a lighter, more delicate flavour to the beer.

In terms of hops, it's important to keep the bitterness and flavour low so that the wheat and yeast characteristics can shine through. Brewers usually aim for 10-15 BUs early in the kettle, with a very low aroma. A noble variety with spicy, herbal flavours is often chosen to balance and blend with the yeast-generated flavours.

Additionally, water profiles can vary from soft to moderately hard for German wheat beers. The optimal pH range for the mash is between 5.2 and 5.6. If mineral additions are necessary, brewers tend to use chloride to enhance the beer's texture rather than sulfate, which increases bitterness.

Overall, the ingredients and their careful selection play a pivotal role in crafting the unique and beloved German wheat beer.

German wheat beer flavours

German wheat beer, or Weizenbier, is a top-fermented beer brewed with a large proportion of wheat relative to the amount of malted barley. The two main varieties are German Weizenbier and Belgian witbier, with other types including Lambic, Berliner Weisse, and Gose.

The German variety, Weizenbier, or Weißbier, uses at least 52% wheat to barley malt, creating a light-coloured top-fermenting beer. The name "Weißbier" means "white beer" in German, referring to the pale, air-dried malt used in the brewing process.

The distinctive flavour of German wheat beer comes from the unique yeast used in the brewing process. The most common flavours are fruity (particularly banana) and phenolic (clove). Other flavours produced by the yeast include "bubble gum" and "vanilla". The intensity of these flavours can vary depending on the brewer, but they are typically balanced.

German wheat beer is also characterised by its low hop bitterness and relatively high carbonation. The high carbonation is important to balance the beer's relatively malty sweetness. The low bitterness of the hops allows the wheat and yeast character to shine through.

When it comes to serving, German wheat beer is typically poured into a "weizen vase", a large, curvaceous glass that showcases the beer's beautiful glow and foam cap. It is best served fresh, and in Germany, it can be found in breweries and pubs.

German wheat beer breweries

German wheat beer, or Hefeweizen, is a popular beverage with a long history that dates back to the 15th century. Over the years, it has become one of the most well-known and beloved beer styles worldwide due to its refreshing qualities and unique flavour.

When it comes to German wheat beer breweries, there are several renowned options to consider. Here are some of the top German wheat beer breweries you can explore:

• Erdinger is one of the largest German wheat beer brands and is known for its traditional brewing techniques.
• Paulaner is another leading brand in the German wheat beer market, offering a range of beers with a focus on quality and taste.
• Franziskaner is recognised for its wheat beer expertise, and its products are widely available across Germany and beyond.
• Maisel is a prominent German wheat beer brand that has established itself as a favourite among enthusiasts.
• Augustiner is a well-respected German wheat beer brewery, known for its commitment to brewing traditions.
• Weihenstephaner is a renowned brewery that has built a reputation for producing exceptional German wheat beer.
• Schneider is a specialty brewery, crafting bronze-coloured German wheat beer that stands out from the rest.
• Andechser is another notable German wheat beer brewery, offering both light and dark varieties of wheat beer.
• Aldersbacher Brewery produces a range of German wheat beers, including the Aldersbacher Kloster Weisse Hell and Dunkel.
• Weissbierbrauerei G. Schneider & Sohn is a German wheat beer brewery known for its specialty brews, such as the Aventinus Weizen Doppelbock.
• Big Bend Brewing Company is a German wheat beer brewery that has gained recognition for its Hefeweizen and Weissbier offerings.
• New Glarus Brewing Company is a German wheat beer brewery that has built a solid reputation for its Hefeweizen and Weissbier beers.
• Red Brick Brewing Co. is a notable brewery in the German wheat beer space, offering its unique take on Hefeweizen and Weissbier styles.

These breweries represent some of the best options for German wheat beer enthusiasts, each with its unique history, brewing techniques, and flavour profiles.

Where to Buy German Wheat Beer

German wheat beer, or Hefeweizen, can be found at various retailers and specialty beer stores. Many breweries also offer online purchasing options through their websites, making it convenient for enthusiasts to buy their favourite brews. Additionally, local craft beer stores and bottle shops may carry a selection of German wheat beers, providing an opportunity to explore different brands and varieties.

German wheat beer history

German wheat beer, or Weizenbier, is a top-fermented beer brewed with a large proportion of wheat relative to the amount of malted barley. Wheat beer was introduced to Bavaria in the 15th century, but until 1548, only beer made from barley was allowed to be brewed in the region. This changed when William IV, Duke of Bavaria, gave Baron Hans VI von Degenberg special permission to brew and sell wheat beer.

Weißbier (German for "white beer") is made with at least 52% wheat to barley malt, creating a light-coloured top-fermenting beer. The Hefeweizen style is particularly noted for its low hop bitterness and relatively high carbonation, which balances the beer's malty sweetness. The yeast used in the brewing process produces overtones of banana and clove, and the beer is characterised by its cloudy appearance.

German wheat beer is available in a number of forms, including Dunkelweizen (dark wheat) and Weizenstarkbier (strong wheat beer), commonly referred to as Weizenbock. The dark wheat varieties are made with darker, more highly kilned malts and have a higher alcohol content than their lighter counterparts.

The four largest German wheat beer brands are Erdinger, Paulaner, Franziskaner, and Maisel. Other well-known brands include Augustiner, Weihenstephaner, Schneider, and Andechser.

Frequently asked questions